Monday, February 15, 2010

Granddaughter's HB Wish for her Friend

Hey, Miss Sarah J. I guess by your time it's your birthday. I didn't send you anything; I can't call you. Well, I guess I can, but you get my drift. I didn't do a darn thing for you.

But I did ask Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, some random Fairies, the Three Billy Goats Gruff, a Troll, Medusa, Zeus, and Michael Beauchamp, of course, for some favors.

First, I told Santa that I know 100% that you haven't done anything naughty. I left out the illegal camping in the Shenandoah. Anyway, it looks like next Christmas you're set.

Second, the Easter Bunny. I asked him to give you a sunny day when you needed one. So, if it ever seems like the clouds won't clear, just ask the Bunny man to hook you up because he owes me. He almost had a public disaster of drunken misconduct, and I testified that it was a false accusation (which it was not). Anyway, he was having a rough week, so I figured one white lie for the poor guy wouldn't end the world, and millions of kids could keep on getting massive amounts of candy.

Third, the Fairy clan, which has nothing to do with a gay bar. I asked them to give you some of their fairy dust---to fly with, of course. They said no. But they did say they would give you a miracle. And then they told me that there is a mathmatical probability that you have one about once a month anyway, so I guess that means it's no skin off their backs. They're kind of condescending. Anyway, you got a miracle coming your way.

Fourth---oh yes, the Three Billy Goats Gruff. You have safe passage over any bridge for a full year. Then I bullied them into giving you safe passage over bridges for the rest of your life. Pretty good deal. In trade though, I have to give them all my recyclables for the rest of my life (to eat, I believe).

The Troll is an old friend of mine. I met him in the woods of Michigan. Quite a shy fellow, but very dear and sweet. He doesn't look very appealing, but behind his skin is a glowing light of golden geniune goodness. Anyway, he didn't have anything to give, nor would I ask to take from him. It just doesn't seem right. But he does have this special ability where he can travel within the blink of an eye. The thing is, though---you can't see him once he's traveled. He's there, but you wouldn't know it. Anyway, I asked him to check up on you and if you were ever doing something alone that he would join you. So, when you think you're alone, he's there. Talk to him. He's a great listener.

Fifth, I asked Medusa, with my eyes closed, that if you were ever having a bad-hair day, the next day you would have the best-hair day. You see, since her hair can be quite untameable, as you may have noticed, she is very sympathetic to people when they're having bad-hair days. But normally she wouldn't do anything about it. Then I showed her my rat's nest of a hairdo. She felt so sorry for me, and she said she would give me anything I wanted. I told her I got's me a friend in Korea---hook her up.

Sixth, never talk to Zeus. What a skeeve! When I asked him to give you a great and grand birthday present, he wanted to knock you up........ to which I told him that perhaps his gift should be the gift of not impregnating you. He said he could control himself. I don't know, Phoebes---I think he's got his eye out for you. You might be the next Mary Magdalene. But thank god Hera was there. She said she'd keep an eye out that no skeeves would come near you. Any skeeves, Zeus or not. She also said Apollo was single right now, but he is such a player, Phoebes. Just because he's beautiful, it doesn't mean he's not vapid. Anyway, she might try and set you up. Sorry, but that really turned into a mess.

Then there's the best of all. I couldn't get ahold of Michael himself, but I did ask him telepathically to write a new song that would be your song. I don't know if he got the message. But we'll see if his new albumn doesn't have something that rings true just for you.

So, there's nothing material, nothing concrete, but hopefully my gift is one of introverted delight. You might be wondering why I never told you I knew such movie stars and how to get in touch with them. Well, I'm kind of sworn to secrecy. But since I have never spilled the beans and have been a loyal trustee, they lifted my oath for the day, and I was allowed to tell one person.

Ultimately, I hope this brightens your day from so far away. You've got more eyes looking out for you than you'll ever know. But don't get paranoid; it's not like that. They are only there when you want them there.

I love you. Happy Birthday, and Happy Valentine's day. Hey, would you be my Valentine? I've never had one. And I think it's damn time! And there's no one else I would want to be my Valentine. Guys are douches anyway.
Love, E.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Uncle Duane

No one dies who lives in the heart and mind of another. We grieve for your passing, and we will surely miss you. But we understand, Uncle Duane. With love from Ruthie and Diane.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold,
Her early leaf's a flower,
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
-Robert Frost

Mary Elizabeth Frye (1905-2004) was a Baltimore housewife and florist who wrote this:

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

Monday, February 8, 2010

My Granddaughter Visits Bok Tower in Florida





On Friday, I decided to go visit this place, or sanctuary, called Bok Tower. They call it the singing tower, and it is aptly named. You are not allowed into this phallic cathedral, but I decided that, compared to the outside, the inside is probably quite prosaic. It is a glory of architecture, Phoebes. The stone walls are milky pink/peach swirl. At the top are stone creatures with bodies of men but heads of some sort of bird. They have a few balconies that freckle the tower, which one can only dream of getting to stand on. One balcony has an inconspicuous red door that just begs to be touched, analyzed, and opened. It stands high above, mocking my desires. Do I feel a metaphor coming on?

The windows are not glass; they are more like glazed pottery, with cutouts of monkeys, palm trees, Adam and Eve, and any other random biblical/tropical idea you can think of put together.

The ultimate, though, and the reason I stared at the damn thing for a half an hour, is the gold-plated brass door located at the bottom of the tower. The door is in the shape of an arch. And it looks like they placed a gold quilt on it. There are picturesque scenes in each square, which I could not identify. But I was beyond mesmerized. I felt like I had just stepped into Narnia and that door led to Aslan. The door knob was of a bird’s head, and it held a heavy golden ring in its mouth. I so desperately wanted to touch it, to almost caress it, to know it, as if, behind its strong purpose, sat all the answers. I feel I shall forever be haunted by that door. I feel I will see it my dreams, and its magic and mystery will forever pulse through my veins.



To top it all off, I was not only feeling mystical, but I was hearing haughty music vibrating from the tower, which it is designed to do, but the music only added to putting me into a cathartic peace.

It was a cloudy, warm day, and the wind blew and whispered at me. For the two hours, I was there, in this plant sanctuary that is exposed daily to the vibrating meditations and the mesmerizing power of the tower when I, too, realized I had become hypnotized. I felt the peace echoing through every inch of the place and saying, “The peace is within you; I am not the peace…it is in you.”

I continued to wander around the gardens in my omnipotent state. I let the divinity within blossom in the sunlight of the tower, and I soaked up the musical vibrations like water to the soul. I was the plants, I was the peace, and I was the omniscient knowledge that would not cease. I am not apt to say that a place has power over one’s emotions or a place defines your state, but, through experience, one cannot deny that some places evoke poignant feelings. Perhaps it is a little of both, the state I am in and the state the place is in, that combine to create this melody of moods. Never knowing where it started or where it ends. Never knowing if I am my own placebo and that, by being in a place that I subconsciously know should make me feel that way, this creates the feeling. Then, is the peace within subconsciously projected and hence outwardly re-projected back onto myself? This might be a good time for one of my favorite sayings: "The world is a reflection of yourself." Now this seems to be more relevant than ever. It almost seems like a game, to be aware of the places that move you to a higher state and wonder why you would ever leave them for the places that evoke subconscious feelings of disgust. But I cannot believe that. There is beauty everywhere. Everywhere! Perhaps it is the belief that stems from me that a place is not beautiful. I choose not to be in a state of peace all the time because I choose to perceive my world not in a state of peace. But therein lies the truth, for the world is always at peace. It is only I who can create a state of disdain. Only I can create.

Would one want to create beauty all the time? Or is there a balance in believing in ugliness and beauty? Would I become jaded and soon beauty itself would become ugly? It seems I ask questions to which the answers are irrelevant. Why even worry about it? Perhaps I am making it more complicated than it needs to be. You like some places, and you don't like others. Some days you feel good, and some days you feel bad. Put the two together and you have a state of being. The rest is a circle of thought, about which there is no point to seek the end, for there isn't one. It's a circle, you dumbass!

Ramble, ramble, ramble…I hope I have confused you as much I have confused myself.



Yesterday.....oh, yesterday was perfect. I snuggled up to the TV, because, yes, it does get cold in florida, and I zoned out to “The Client,” a drama about a young, independent, and boisterous boy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but thankfully a divorce lawyer, played by Susan Sarandon, was there to save the day and help solve the mystery, after which I decided perhaps I should be productive.

I wandered out to our little 10 x 5’ garden and decided to weed out the half that hadn't been weeded and stake my claim. I am endeavoring to try my black thumb at gardening in the hopes that anything green will come out. The soil is so sandy, though, that I don't know what would be willing to survive in it. Research......

Then, I promptly decided that was enough work for one day, and I slugged back over to the couch and nestled in again. To my surprise, the last Matrix movie was on, equivalent to trash, but there is a small amount of food for thought in it…enough to warrant not getting up to change the channel because we have no remote, so whenever something’s on that I don't necessarily like, I pretty much make myself find a way to like it.

I planned my weekend this way. When asked what I was going to do this weekend, my reply was, “Hopefully nothing.” I wanted a weekend to re-collect myself and prepare for fire.

OK, I will admit I did start a sourdough starter, so I did do at least two productive things, though there is an ad here to "Create an avatar worthy of your features. Play sorority life and show off with how beautiful you are!" Oh, excuse me from my novel. I think I just found my calling! You guys sure are lucky I found something to stop my mind (hence, my fingers) from continuing these endless rambles. Lucky this time; perhaps not so lucky the next.

Sorry, Phoebes, that this turned into one of those letters that originally started out to you, which is why it is written as it is, since I write a certain way when I write you. But since I love what you inspire to come out of me, it then turned into a letter that should be shared with all. So, to all who read this know, it doesn't necessarily stream from me; there is a hidden magic from one of the dearest people to walk the earth. And, don't worry---she knows it’s true. Because I said it, therefore it must be true! We tend to gush on each other. It's a good circle---one I am happy to be in.

OK, so I love you, Phoebes, and I hope you don't mind the sharing of your inspiration, and I love everybody else who drains all their mitochondrial waste just in order to read my epics.
Love,
E or B


Editor's Note: For incredibly detailed pictures of Bok Tower, please visit the following Web site:
http://www.blacksmithing.org/events/Bok2009/Bok2009.htm

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Snowpocalypse, Baltimore, February 2010
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Cut Down But Not Into

Snowmageddon. Snowpocalypse. The Perfect Storm. That's what Baltimore had this past Friday and Saturday, February 5 and 6, 2010. This part of the country gets snow, but it's hardly ever this much at one time. This is not snowmobile city, believe me. It will be days before any city snow plow comes down my street (if ever). The snow is so deep that it's not snow plowing we need; it's snow removal. There is no place to put this much snow in a city environment. After two days of blizzard-like conditions with 30+ inches of snowfall and 5-foot-high drifts, today the sky is blue and the sun mocks us. Nobody is moving. Cars are buried. The only thing visible on my car in the driveway is the radio antenna which is mounted on the roof in the back. It would take 4 days of 50-degree temperatures (which won't be happening) to melt the snow off my car.

Only one enterprising neighbor boy was out with a shovel this morning, and he charged me $60 (cash; no checks) to shovel the sidewalk and a narrow path on the porch so I could open my front door. Anyone who is disabled or unwilling to risk a heart attack to shovel her own walk is held hostage to these prices. Take it or leave it.

My back surgery was scheduled for tomorrow (Monday). The only way to get to the hospital in the morning would be with the assistance of the National Guard and a Humvee. Obviously, since this surgery is elective, that's not going to happen. Thus, the surgery is postponed for perhaps another month. Mother Nature is a force about which we can do nothing. I am simply grateful that today is Super Bowl Sunday and that I don't have to go anywhere but downstairs to the refrigerator for beer, chips, and guacamole. Bugger the diet. Above is a picture of my car. No, not the one in the street. It's the big white blob right next to the black porch railing. That's it! I hope to be able to see it and drive it again sometime in the next month. Sigh.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Bad Romance

Remembering that Madonna was generally regarded as a musical genius, we now have a new generation of bad-ass girls who are also musical geniuses, and probably the best example of that is Lady Gaga. She is daring, cutting-edge, irreverent, symbolic, and open to sober or drunk interpretation. In addition, she has revived disco. God invented disco, and She makes sure, through Divine Inspiration, that it reappears in our culture from time to time, lest we forget where we came from.

Copy and paste the URL below into your browser for a review of Nemiroff LEX vodka, a product of Ukraine, as featured in this Lady Gaga video.

http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=1981

Copy and paste the URL below into your browser to view and listen to the best video of "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga and company. The lyrics, deserving of post-graduate study, are below for erudition's sake. She is a genius. Say what you will.

Speaking of listening, a person truly needs good speakers to listen. Altec Lansing computer desk speakers with an under-desk powered subwoofer are available for only $49. That's cheap for what you get out of them. Music was invented so that our souls would not be interminably lonely. It's good to turn up the volume and let the music take you over.

Copy and paste the URL below into your browser to see the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your ugly
I want your disease
I want your everything
As long as it’s free
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

I want your drama
The touch of your hand
I want you leather-studded kiss in the sand
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want it bad
Your bad romance

I want your loving
And I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!)
I want your loving
All your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your horror
I want your design
‘Cause you’re a criminal
As long as your mine
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love, uhh

I want your psycho
Your vertigo stick
Want you in my room
When your baby is sick
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
(‘Cause I’m a freak bitch baby!)
I want it bad
Your bad romance

I want your loving
And I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!)
I want your loving
All your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Work-work fashion baby
Work it
move that bitch crazy
Work-work fashion baby
Work it
move that bitch crazy
Work-work fashion baby
Work it
move that bitch crazy
Work-work fashion baby
Work it
I’m a freak bitch baby

I want your love
And I want your revenge
I want your love
I don’t wanna be friends

J'veux ton amour
Et je veux ton revenge
J'veux ton amour
I don't wanna be friends

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
(I don't wanna be friends)
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

(I don't wanna be friends)
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
(Want your bad romance)
Caught in a bad romance
(Want your bad romance)

I want your loving
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!)
I want your loving
All your love is revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
(Want your bad romance)
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
(Want your bad romance)
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
(Want your bad romance)
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah rah ah-ah-ah!
Ro mah ro-mah-mah
Gaga Ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance